A FATHER and daughter team is preparing to head north for a high-profile charity run.

Paul and Ellen Smith, of Bilberry Close, Whitefield, are training hard for the Great North Run in what will be 21-year-old Ellen's first half marathon.

The pair are taking on the challenge in Newcastle on Sunday September 13 in aid of Heart Research UK and Ellen has revealed the inspiration behind that choice.

The former Philips High School and Bury College student works as a group leader for Bury-based disability sports charity Jigsaw and helps youngsters when they are on days out.

Jigsaw received a £9,000 Heart Research UK grant in January to fund a year-long project promoting healthy heart initiatives and Ellen said she wanted to do something to return the favour.

"I've never done a half marathon before, so it's quite ambitious for me. Signing up was a moment of madness. I can't think of a better cause to raise money for though," said Ellen.

She added: "My father and I enjoy doing things for charity though and it will be nice doing the run together and sharing the experience.

"I'm hoping not to walk at all during the event — that’s my real aim."

Since the start of the project, Ellen and her mother Susan have attended family aerobics sessions and cookery classes

Paul, aged 47, has run half marathons in the past and cycles from home to his work at a printing firm in Bolton most days, keeping him fit.

Ellen said: "We've been going out on runs in the evening to get ready for the big weekend.

"My dad is a lot more prepared than I am, but we've agreed to run it together and I'm sure it will be a lot of fun.

"I really enjoyed doing the Manchester 10km, so if this is better, it will be amazing."

Ellen and Paul have so far raised £200 with a target of £500. Donations can be made by visiting tinyurl.com/greatnorthellenpaul